When was the last time the Auburn Tigers advanced to the NCAA Tournament Final Four?
The Auburn Tigers men’s basketball team has a rich history of success in college basketball, but perhaps no moment in recent memory is more cherished than their remarkable journey to the NCAA Tournament Final Four in 2019. It was a historic run, one that captured the hearts of Auburn fans and catapulted the program into the national spotlight. The 2019 Final Four appearance was not only Auburn’s first-ever trip to college basketball’s most coveted stage, but it also highlighted the growth of the program under head coach Bruce Pearl and underscored the team’s resilience, talent, and teamwork.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at Auburn’s unforgettable 2019 NCAA Tournament run. From the opening round to the Final Four, the Tigers’ path to glory was filled with intense moments, dramatic victories, and unforgettable performances that will be remembered for years to come. We will also examine how the 2019 run impacted the program’s standing in college basketball and what it meant for the Auburn basketball community.
The 2019 Auburn Tigers: Setting the Stage
Heading into the 2018-2019 season, the Auburn Tigers were already a respected team in the SEC. Under the leadership of head coach Bruce Pearl, who had taken over the program in 2014, the Tigers had gradually climbed the ranks of college basketball, building a reputation for tough defense, high-scoring offenses, and a blue-collar mentality. Pearl, who had built successful programs at Tennessee and Southern Indiana, had instilled a culture of grit and determination at Auburn.
Auburn entered the 2018-2019 season as a team with both promise and uncertainty. While they had made deep runs in the NIT in previous years, they had yet to break through in the NCAA Tournament. With players like Jared Harper, Bryce Brown, Chuma Okeke, and Anfernee McLemore, Auburn had the talent to compete with the best teams in the nation. But as is often the case in college basketball, there was still much to prove. Auburn finished the regular season with a respectable 26-9 record, but they still needed to prove themselves on the national stage.
After a strong SEC season, where Auburn finished tied for fourth in the conference, the Tigers received a 5th seed in the 2019 NCAA Tournament. Despite being a middle-of-the-pack seed in a competitive bracket, few could have predicted the thrilling run that was about to unfold.
The Road to the Final Four: Auburn’s Dramatic Tournament Run
Auburn’s journey to the Final Four was nothing short of extraordinary. The Tigers’ path was filled with dramatic upsets, close calls, and moments of magic that will go down as some of the most exciting in recent NCAA Tournament history.
Round of 64: Auburn vs. New Mexico State (78-77)
The tournament began with a Round of 64 matchup against New Mexico State. Auburn was expected to win, but the Aggies were a dangerous 12-seed with a talented roster. The game proved to be a nail-biter, with Auburn’s offense struggling to find a rhythm for much of the game. With just seconds remaining and the game tied, Auburn guard Jared Harper made a crucial shot, securing a 78-77 win for the Tigers. This narrow victory set the tone for the rest of the tournament: Auburn had the resilience to fight through adversity.
Round of 32: Auburn vs. Kansas (89-75)
After surviving the close call in the opening round, Auburn faced off against a formidable opponent in Kansas. The 4th-seeded Jayhawks were led by future NBA star Dedric Lawson, and many expected them to be too strong for the Tigers. However, Auburn’s offensive firepower and defense were on full display in this matchup. The Tigers dominated Kansas, leading by as many as 20 points in the second half. Auburn shot an impressive 56% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc, with Bryce Brown leading the way with 25 points.
The victory over Kansas was a statement win, as Auburn showcased its ability to compete with college basketball’s elite programs. The Tigers’ defense stifled Kansas’ high-powered offense, while their fast-paced attack overwhelmed the Jayhawks. Auburn’s victory moved them to the Sweet 16, marking their first trip to that round in over a decade.
Sweet 16: Auburn vs. North Carolina (97-80)
Auburn’s next opponent was the 1st-seeded North Carolina Tar Heels, a powerhouse team led by stars like Cameron Johnson and Kenny Williams. North Carolina was favored to win, but Auburn had built momentum and wasn’t intimidated by the challenge. In what would become one of the most unforgettable games in Auburn basketball history, the Tigers exploded in the second half, outscoring the Tar Heels 53-33. Auburn’s offense was unstoppable, as Jared Harper (26 points), Bryce Brown (25 points), and Chuma Okeke (20 points) took over the game.
Auburn’s defense, particularly their ability to force turnovers, played a key role in stymieing North Carolina. The Tigers were relentless in transition, pushing the tempo and scoring easy baskets off of turnovers. The 97-80 victory was a stunning upset, sending Auburn to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1986. The Tigers’ performance in this game was a showcase of their offensive firepower and their ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure moments.
Elite Eight: Auburn vs. Kentucky (77-71)
The Elite Eight matchup against Kentucky, one of the most storied programs in college basketball history, was another test for the Tigers. The Wildcats, led by PJ Washington and Tyler Herro, were a deep and talented team. But Auburn was playing with an unmatched confidence, and they had proven they could beat anyone. The game was closely contested throughout, with both teams trading blows and exchanging leads. Auburn’s defense stepped up in the final minutes, as they held off Kentucky for a 77-71 victory.
One of the most dramatic moments of the game came in the final seconds when Auburn’s defense forced Kentucky into several missed shots, and a Jared Harper steal sealed the win. The Tigers were now headed to the Final Four, making history as the first Auburn team ever to reach that stage in the NCAA Tournament. The win over Kentucky was a culmination of everything the Tigers had worked for: hard work, teamwork, and unshakable belief.
Final Four: Auburn vs. Virginia (62-63)
Auburn’s Final Four matchup against Virginia was set to be a battle of contrasting styles. Auburn’s high-powered offense against Virginia’s slow, methodical defense made for an intriguing clash. The game was tight from start to finish, and with just a few seconds remaining, the Tigers were within striking distance of a national championship appearance.
In the final moments of the game, Auburn found themselves in a position to take the lead when Harper drove to the basket and was fouled on a three-point attempt. He would have three free throws to potentially give Auburn the lead and send them to the national championship game. However, the refs made a controversial call, and the free throws were not awarded. The game ended in a 63-62 defeat for Auburn, and despite their best efforts, they fell just short of the championship game.
While the loss was heartbreaking, it was also a testament to Auburn’s incredible journey. The Tigers had come so far, and their run to the Final Four was nothing short of extraordinary. The 2019 Auburn team had defied expectations at every turn, and their determination and heart had captured the imaginations of fans all over the country. Even though they did not win the national title, Auburn’s performance in the 2019 NCAA Tournament forever changed the trajectory of the program.
The Impact of Auburn’s 2019 Final Four Run
The 2019 Final Four run had an immense impact on the Auburn basketball program, both in terms of national recognition and future recruiting success. Head coach Bruce Pearl had transformed Auburn from a middling SEC program to a national contender, and the 2019 season proved that Auburn could compete with the best in the country. The Tigers’ success helped to elevate Auburn’s profile in college basketball, and the program became a fixture on the national stage.
In terms of recruiting, the 2019 Final Four run was a game-changer. Auburn’s success in the NCAA Tournament helped them attract some of the best young talent in the country. The program was able to recruit higher-ranked players, knowing that the Tigers were now considered a legitimate contender for national championships.
For Auburn fans, the 2019 Final Four run remains a defining moment in the history of the program. The team’s resilience, grit, and determination captured the hearts of the Auburn faithful, and the memories of that magical run will continue to be cherished for generations to come.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Auburn Basketball
As Auburn moves forward, the 2019 Final Four run serves as both a benchmark and a source of motivation. The Tigers have proven that they can compete with the top teams in college basketball, and the expectation for future seasons will be to build on that success. With head coach Bruce Pearl at the helm, Auburn is positioned to continue being a major player in the SEC and on the national stage.
While the 2019 run remains a high point
in Auburn’s basketball history, the program is not resting on its laurels. The Tigers continue to recruit top-tier talent and maintain a competitive edge in a loaded SEC. As Auburn looks to build on its success, the 2019 Final Four run will always be remembered as a historic moment that solidified the Auburn Tigers as one of the premier programs in college basketball.
In conclusion, Auburn’s journey to the Final Four in 2019 was a historic and unforgettable achievement, not just for the players and coaches involved, but for the entire Auburn basketball community. The team’s resilience, talent, and leadership made the 2019 NCAA Tournament run one of the most exciting and memorable in recent memory, and it will forever be a defining moment in the program’s storied history.
